BACKGROUND
The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the morbidly obese population is as high as 45%. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of various bariatric procedures in the improvement of GERD.
METHODS
The Bariatric Outcomes Longitudinal Database is a prospective database of patients who undergo bariatric surgery… (More)

Although the efficacy of various biologic meshes in the abdominal reconstruction of complex ventral hernia has been shown, the performance profile of various biologic mesh scaffolds in terms of hernia-specific outcomes such as recurrence, mesh explantation, and mesh infections has not been examined. To evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients who… (More)

BACKGROUND
Morbidity and mortality are very high for critically ill patients who develop acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC). The aim of this study was to compare outcomes in extremely ill patients with AAC treated with percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC), laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), or open cholecystectomy (OC), which were also analyzed together in… (More)

Studies comparing laparoscopic (LIHR) vs. open inguinal hernia repair (OIHR) have shown similar recurrence rates but have disagreed on perioperative outcomes and costs. The aim of this study is to compare laparoscopic vs. open outcomes and costs. The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) was used to compare durations of surgery, anesthesia… (More)

This study demonstrates the effectiveness of a new, compact surgical robot at improving laparoscope guidance. Currently, the assistant guiding the laparoscope camera tends to be less experienced and requires physical and verbal direction from the surgeon. Human guidance has disadvantages of fatigue and shakiness leading to inconsistency in the field of… (More)

The aim of this study was to develop a multidexterous robot capable of generating the required forces and speeds to perform surgical tasks intra-abdominally. Current laparoscopic surgical robots are expensive, bulky, and fundamentally constrained by a small entry incision. A new approach to minimally invasive surgery places the robot completely within the… (More)

BACKGROUND
Although several risk factors affecting weight loss outcomes with bariatric procedures have been identified, the effect of age, gender, race, and illness severity on postoperative outcomes of laparoscopic gastric bypass has not been extensively examined.
METHODS
The University HealthSystem Consortium database is an administrative and financial… (More)

BACKGROUND
Theoretically, a lighter and softer mesh may decrease nerve entrapment and chronic pain by creating less fibrosis and mesh contracture in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.
METHODS
We performed a telephone survey of patients who underwent laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery between 2001 and 2007. We recorded patient responses for chronic… (More)